In addition to an equivalency certificate, the State of Missouri now offers a second option to adults without high school diplomas. are awarded for online coursework, rather than for passing an exam.
鈥淭he adult education and literacy classes and high school equivalency prepare people to take a test, which is the high school equivalency exam. And the workforce diploma program provides a diploma based on credit hours. So, it鈥檚 more like a diploma in the traditional high school in the K-12 system,鈥� explained Megan Wadley, coordinator of adult education and literacy for the state鈥檚 Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
鈥淔or some students, doing online coursework and earning credits is better for them than preparing for an exam and going to take that exam,鈥� she said.
Courses are available to Missouri residents older than 21 at no charge. They are provided by the online education service . How long it takes to complete varies by student.
鈥淲hether you鈥檙e doing the workplace diploma program or the high school equivalency program, it really depends on what your starting level is, how long it鈥檚 going to take,鈥� Wadley said. 鈥淭he workforce diploma program, they evaluate your transcript and provide assessments to make sure they鈥檙e starting you at the right class level.鈥�
鈥淎 student can earn this workforce diploma, and at the same time they鈥檙e going to be learning basic employability skills, like how to create a resume and interview, that kind of thing. And they also have the option to study in a specific career pathway and earn credentials,鈥� Wadley added.
A wide range of people use the high school equivalency program and are also expected to take advantage of the workforce diploma program.
鈥淲e do get some students who were homeschooled, especially during COVID, and they became disconnected perhaps and dropped out,鈥� Wadley said. 鈥淏ut we also see people all the way up to 50 and 60 years old who want to help their grandchildren with their homework or want to have a better career. Maybe someone who wants to earn a credential to earn more money and better themselves.鈥�
